At arenaflex, we're a fast-paced and dynamic team of brand builders working together to become innovative game-changers in the world of sports and active hydration. With a unique blend of entrepreneurial culture and the resources and insights of one of the world's most iconic companies, we're committed to achieving our goal of becoming #1 in Sports Hydration. We're now seeking an experienced Director, Customer Sales South to join our team and drive business growth and innovation in the region.
**About arenaflex**
arenaflex is a leading player in the sports nutrition industry, with a portfolio of brands that includes BODYARMOR and POWERADE. Our company exudes an entrepreneurial culture, backed by the resources and insights of The Coca-Cola Company, which acquired us in 2021. This unique environment gives employees the ability to move quickly, exceed expectations, develop valuable relationships, and have fun while working towards our goal of becoming #1 in Sports Hydration.
**Job Summary**
We're looking for a seasoned Director, Customer Sales South to lead a cross-functional team in delivering business results across assigned territory. As a key leader within arenaflex, this individual will be responsible for leading annual planning processes, negotiating annual agreements, and providing subject matter expertise to resolve complex customer issues. This role will also involve directly managing Publix and SEG customers, as well as managing two direct reports who oversee customers in Texas.
**Responsibilities**
As a Director, Customer Sales South, you will be responsible for:
### Customer Development
* Strategic leadership of the Publix and SEG customer relationship on behalf of arenaflex
* Leading a team of direct reports to manage HEB, Brookshire, K-VA-T Food City, and Military Channel customers
* Driving processes and execution of annual plans across assigned customers and bottlers, with a focus on delivering key business and financial metrics
* Partnering with Sr. Management and cross-functional team members to build Annual Plans that achieve both short-term and long-term business objectives
* Leading annual negotiations to ensure an optimized partnership agreement is in place that supports overall organizational priorities
* Collaborative leadership of a cross-functional team responsible for developing and implementing overall customer selling stories, while providing key insights to deliver all key execution metrics
* Overseeing on-going account updates and performance reporting against key metrics, and problem-solving plan gaps and bringing forward recommendations to deliver on required business objectives
* Overseeing and completing administrative duties required by the customer, including contracts, new item forms, etc.
* Strong data and insights knowledge and skills to assist in storytelling-type selling
### System Leadership
* Participating in all system routines as needed (CCLT, Customer core Teams) to provide customer updates, including annual plan targets and elements, and on-going customer performance updates and action plans to deliver annual plans
* Working closely with Coca-Cola sales teams to maximize mutual goals, results, and execution
* Building and leveraging relationships with both arenaflex teams and Bottlers to ensure alignment and focus on delivering key customer objectives
### Cross-Functional Communication and Collaboration
* Providing on-going updates on customer plan results and opportunities to arenaflex management
* Participating in key cross-functional routines to provide on-going plan updates and ensure flawless execution of customer programs and initiatives
* Providing customer input to annual plans, including all Marketing, Commercial, and Innovation plans
### Organizational Development
* Fully leveraging all cross-functional resources to deliver best-in-class capabilities to customers, including selling stories, consumer and customer marketing, and insights, and revenue growth management plans
* Coaching and mentoring team, direct reports, and support staff, providing subject matter expertise on customer needs, ensuring the team is supported, and the required resources are in place to support overall business priorities
* Managing to annual T&E budget for the department, ensuring alignment with internal financial objectives
**Requirements**
* Bachelor's Degree or relevant experience required
* 8 years of direct sales experience in the CPG industry, with a track record of successfully selling into multiple national and regional channel customers required
* Located in Southeast or Texas preferred
* Recent Publix and SEG experience preferred
* DSD beverage background preferred
* Must be self-motivated and highly organized, with a strong desire to produce results, and an entrepreneurial spirit to succeed
* Must be able to quickly assess the needs of the business, develop an action plan, and manage the required change
* The ability to effectively intermingle with a wide variety of business professionals is essential
* Must have a passion for building brands, new products, and long-term growth
* Must have a verifiable list of current contacts with appropriate buyers and divisional managers
* Solid computer skills in Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word, with a strong understanding and analytical skills in understanding of Nielsen/IRI syndicated data
* Position requires substantial travel (30% if based in FL area; 50% outside of territory) by car and plane, including both local and neighboring geographic territories
* Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to drive long distances
* Motor Vehicle Records must satisfy Company standards per Driving Policy
**Skills**
* Leadership
* Social Media
* Sales Channel Development
* Conversion Rate
* Structured Query Language (SQL)
* Marketing Campaigns
* Digital Advertising
* Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
* Branding
* Demand Generation
* Media Buying
* Marketing Strategies
* Product Commercialization
* Channels Strategy
* Tableau (Software)
* Market Segmentation
* Alteryx
* Customer Insights
* Microsoft Office
* Strategy Development
* Google Analytics
* Microsoft Power Business Intelligence (BI)
* Marketing Insights
**What We Offer**
* A dynamic and fast-paced work environment with a unique blend of entrepreneurial culture and resources and insights of one of the world's most iconic companies
* Opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on building brands, new products, and long-term growth
* A competitive compensation package, with a focus on rewarding performance and results
* A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan
* A fun and supportive work environment, with a focus on teamwork and collaboration
**How to Apply**
If you're a seasoned sales professional with a passion for building brands and driving business growth, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and qualifications for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
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